The New York District regularly collaborates with partner agencies on and around the waters of the New York Harbor.
New York District's fleet of debris collection vessels also serve as platforms when command leaders meet with partners and stakeholders on the water during harbor inspections and discuss projects and programs of mutual interest around the Port of New York and New Jersey.
The New York District continued to maintain this proactive partnership by assisting the U.S. Navy Special Forces on August 3, with its event to support veterans and their families.
The Army Corps' Drift Collection vessel HAYWARD spent a portion of the day on the New York Harbor and Hudson River providing a venue for a mix of 35 former and active members of the elite military Special Forces during the U.S. Navy SEALs ‘Hudson River Swim’ charity event.
It was the first legally sanctioned swim across the Hudson River which raised $100 thousand to benefit and support veterans and their families in obtaining needed services.
The U.S. Navy Sea, Air, and Land Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command.
The event, which was nationally televised began with participants swimming from Liberty State Park, N.J. to the Statue of Liberty National Monument. At each stop, the SEALs climbed out of the water and performed pushups and pullups to honor America’s liberties, diversity, and those who have fought to preserve them.
Along the waterfront route, with a huge American flag displayed from its mast, the HAYWARD's skipper and crewmembers welcomed the SEAL team comprised of former and current members aboard where they performed more pushups and pullups on the weather deck.
Col. Thomas Asbery, Commander, Army Corps' New York District also aboard the HAYWARD seized the opportunity to assist fellow service members in their cause and welcomed them aboard the HAYWARD.
"It was an honor to support our veterans and their families,” said Asbery. “The New York District has a unique capability and the event organizers knew who to call and when they asked we said absolutely!"
The swim route ended at Battery Park in Manhattan. With American flags in hand, they ran towards One World Trade Center that ended the event at the
911 Memorial and the Horse Soldier statue dedicated to the Special Forces.
Once the event ended, the HAYWARD'S crew resumed their duties in patrolling the waters of the Harbor and ensuring the harbor is free from debris obstructions to maritime navigation.